Liberty Fruit holds ninth annual golf tournament and fund raiser
The Liberty Fruit Co. Inc. in Kansas City held its ninth annual golf tournament Sept. 22.
The tournament is a way for Liberty Fruit Co. to give back to its community. In the eight previous years, all money raised during the tournament was donated to Children's Mercy Hospital for research, diagnosing and treating intestinal problems in children.
But this year, Liberty Fruit Co. added two additional charities to its donation plan.
Stemilt's Asian pear grower provides promo opportunities
It seems fitting that Jeff and Kristine Boullioun named their Oroville, WA, orchard Busy Bee because when it comes time to harvest their mix of organic Asian pear varieties, that is exactly what they emulate.
From implementing organic growing practices in all of their 58 acres to hand- picking and hand-packing each piece of fruit, the Boulliouns work tirelessly to ensure consumers get to experience only the best-tasting Asian pears. The Boulliouns grow fruit exclusively for Stemilt Growers, a leading tree fruit company based in Wenatchee, WA.
Joe Longo Sr. loses battle with lengthy illness at 70
Joe Longo Sr. loved life.
Mr. Longo was a family man who loved to celebrate with his family and who loved food, which was appropriate for a man who worked around food nearly his entire life.
Roseanne Longo, Mr. Longo's niece and the spokesperson for Longo Bros., told The Produce News that her uncle, along with his brothers Tommy and Gus, founded the Mississauga, ON-based company.
Mr. Longo, 70, died Sept. 15, after battling a lengthy illness.
Ocean Spray completes major addition to processing facility
Ocean Spray celebrated the completion of the expansion of its Wisconsin Rapids, WI, facility, which doubled the plant's size to 440,000 square feet, making it one of the larger cranberry processing plants in the world.
"Ocean Spray is exactly the kind of company we are excited to have here in Wisconsin," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a press release. "I am pleased the state is able to partner with Ocean Spray to expand their facility in Wisconsin Rapids and create 100 jobs for hardworking Wisconsin families."
Key issues in the spotlight at FFVA's 65th annual convention
NAPLES, FL - In the United States, 65 is the magic number that allows many workers to retire with full Social Security benefits. It represents an age that many people look forward to for their ability to slow down and enjoy their golden years.
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, however, is doing anything but slowing down in its 65th year. During its annual convention, held Sept. 21-23 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, here, the association explored some of the major issues that are confronting the produce industry both in Florida and across the nation.
IN THE TRENCHES: What exactly does 'local' produce mean?
The moon is considered a "local" satellite of the Earth. However, the distance between the two is 238,857 miles. Is that really "local?"
Local weather, local time, local news, local restaurants, local, local, local - what is local? Is it down the street, two blocks over, in a neighboring town, or 238,857 miles away? Is there a specific measured distance for something to be officially deemed "local?"
Ron Lemaire to leave CPMA
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association announced Sept. 24 the resignation of Ron Lemaire, the organization's executive vice president and director of marketing.
As a key part of the association for the past 10 years, Mr. Lemaire has contributed as part of the CPMA team to position the association effectively to meet the future needs of its members.
Chiquita signs an 11-year lease with the port of Wilmington
Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner announced an 11-year, multi-million dollar land lease between Chiquita Fresh North America and the Diamond State Port Corp. This new 27.6-acre lease will keep Chiquita at the port of Wilmington and in the state of Delaware until July 2019.
Chiquita is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added food products from energy-rich bananas to nutritious blends of convenient green salads. Globally, Chiquita employs over 23,000 people in more than 70 countries.
Consumers seem willing to absorb increased costs for imported berries
U.S. consumers want their berries and often appear willing to pay what the market demands.
In speaking with a sampling of grower-shippers, produce brokers, wholesalers and retail produce buyers, few expressed concern to The Produce News that consumers would shy away from what might be high prices for certain imported berries.
Having year-round or nearly year-round supplies of berries requires that berries be imported by the United States since domestic crop schedules can't provide year-round supplies, especially to meet increasing demand.
Brazilian producers eyeing narrow U.S. window for shipping mangos
For Brazilian producers, the opportunity to ship fresh mangos to the United States comes and goes quickly. But for the exporters who specialize in U.S. shipments, it is a very important window.